The Department of Theatre and Dance at Gustavus Adolphus College will present a compelling performance of The Arabian Nights, a play by Mary Zimmerman. Directed by Henry MacCarthy, performances of this production will be held April 22, 23, and 24 at 8:00 p.m. with a matinee performance on April 25 at 2:00 p.m.
Based on ancient stories of Persian and Arabic descent, as well as other folk tales, this stimulating and sensual play centers on the strong influence that storytelling can have on human nature. The cold hearted King Shahryar kills a virgin each night in bitter revenge of an unfaithful wife. When it is young Sheherezade’s turn to face her fate, she instead spends one thousand and one nights unveiling the King’s pain and suffering through her humorous, emotional, and captivating tales. The story takes the audience on an arousing adventure but never loses the importance of Sheherezade’s quest to live. The storytelling process is transforming and healing for the King and the audience will be entranced by this captivating journey.
The Ariabian Nights contains many stories within the story and the actors are constantly changing from character to character. Through a complex directing process, fourteen Gustavus Adolphus performers play over forty different characters in Zimmerman’s play. One scene contains five different stories told by the lively ensemble at once. MacCarthy described that directing such a complicated piece was manageable because of his “incredibly talented and committed” acting team. The constant engagement of the ensemble is a key ingredient to the continuous rollercoaster of emotionally stimulating stories.
The storytelling process is greatly enhanced by the gifted work of the design team at Gustavus. Senior theatre major Larissa Bregenzer has created the stunning costume designs and sound design has been produced by Terena Wilkens. The scenic and lighting design by Gustavus faculty Micah Maatman paints a strikingly beautiful template for the play which includes hanging lanterns, sand, and a night sky. Assistant scenic & lighting designers for the production are Kristin Mead and Kelly Franzen.
Tickets are available online at gustavustickets.com or by calling the Gustavus Ticket Center at (507) 933-7590. Adult tickets are $9.00, student and senior citizen tickets $6.00, and Gustavus students and staff are free of charge with ID. Tickets not purchased in advance may be purchased at the Anderson Theatre Box Office beginning one hour prior to curtain.
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